NewsGemma Bonner interview: Aston Villa trip, Taylor reunion and 'transition process'
Gemma Bonner is optimistic the tide will soon start to turn in the right direction for Liverpool FC Women as they head to Aston Villa on Sunday in search of their first win of the season.
Despite losing their opening two Barclays Women's Super League games against Everton and Leicester City, performances have given head coach Gareth Taylor confidence of a brighter future for this new-look team.
With eight summer recruits all working hard to get used to a new playing style, record appearance-holder Bonner has shared her belief that results will soon start to improve.
The defender, who could become just the third player to reach 200 WSL outings, previewed the 12pm BST kick-off at Villa Park with Liverpoolfc.com – read on for the interview…
On a tough start but spirit in the camp remaining high…
For sure. I think we are very much aware that we are in a transition process in terms of changing how we are playing, and I think there have been a lot of good parts that we have done. Obviously the results are not what we wanted but we are still learning a new way of playing. But for sure there are a lot of positives and if we keep working hard on the training pitch then we will turn these results into positive ones.
On enjoying a lot of possession in the opening two games but not converting chances…
The difference is in both boxes and the hardest thing to do in football is score goals and ultimately that is what wins you games. I think we are controlling large parts of the game and now it's just about getting that final bit. But I'm sure once we get that then we will continue to progress.
On coming so close to scoring her first goal of the season with a header that hit the crossbar versus Everton at Anfield…
I always try to contribute from set-pieces. It would have been amazing had that gone in, especially in front of the Kop, but it didn't go in and we came in on the end of the wrong result. But we have definitely got goals in us with the quality of deliveries we have in this team from set-pieces and in open play.
On working under Taylor at Manchester City, knowing his style and what he expects…
We have shown in the games that we are a lot more possession-based than before. We want to control the games and I like being on the ball. Obviously working with him before, I know how he works and it's very different to what we were used to playing before. Everyone has really taken it onboard and I guess we are still in the learning process – but we will get there.
On Sunday's trip to Aston Villa and a reunion with Missy Bo Kearns…
It seems like two minutes as we played them in pre-season as well. Bo had a great time here and she will be up for it, there's no doubt about that. But at the same time it's a really important game for us and we have to make sure we go out and our intention is to get three points on the board.